13 Fun Pool Party Games and Supplies for a Splashy Summer Party
What makes any pool party truly memorable? The games. Whether youâre hosting a casual backyard swim day, a kidsâ birthday party, or a lively summer celebration, pool party games help keep guests active, laughing, and involved.
Here are 13 fun pool party games, plus the supplies that make each one easier to set up.
Quick safety note: Always match games to swimmersâ ages and abilities, keep adults nearby, and avoid rough play around the pool deck.
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13 Fun and Exciting Pool Party Games
1. Pool Noodle Races
Transform everyday pool noodles into racing equipment for an instant party hit!
How to play:
Divide players into two teams, and give each swimmer a pool noodle to use like a hobby horse. The players must race to the finish line on top of the water's surface without falling off their noodle.
Why itâs fun:
This is a great time for both kids and adults, offering a hilarious challenge that keeps everyone entertained while encouraging teamwork!
What you'll need:
- Pool noodles
- Markers to create your start and finish lines
2. Ping Pong Ball Hunt
This classic game, played by diving underwater and racing to collect floating ping pong balls, will have your guests entertained. Ping pong balls are perfect for pool party games because they float, are easy to grab, and can be marked with numbers for point-based games. Use different colors or write scores on each ball to make the hunt more exciting.
How to play:
Scatter ping pong balls across the pool, each marked with numbers using a permanent marker. Players must collect as many balls as possible within a set time limit. The numbers on the balls indicate their points!
Why itâs fun:
Itâs a fun way to combine quick moves and strategy, making it exciting for swimmers of all ages.
What youâll need:
- Ping pong balls
- A net or bucket for collecting the balls
3. Water Volleyball
Add a refreshing twist to a classic game!
How to play:
Set up a net over the pool and divide players into teams. Use a beach ball for a safer and easier-to-hit alternative to a regular volleyball.
Why itâs fun:
Friendly competition paired with good-natured teamwork keeps everyone engaged. The game is both fun and challenging, requiring a mix of physical skill and strategy.
What youâll need:
- Inflatable volleyball net
- Beach ball
4. Water Balloon Toss
Turn the party up with this exciting game that combines precision and a whole lot of splashes!
How to play:
Fill water balloons and have players toss them back and forth, taking a step further away with each toss. The first team to complete the most tosses without dropping the balloon wins!
Why itâs fun:
Itâs simple yet hilarious and perfect for all ages.
What youâll need:
- Reusable Water balloons
5. Pool Basketball Shootout
Basketball Hoop
GoSports Splash Hoop 2-in-1 Pool Basketball Hoop & Volleyball Net Game Set
Add a basketball hoop to your pool, and youâve got yourself a thrilling poolside challenge!
How to play:
Form teams and compete to score baskets against the opposing team before the shot clock runs out.
Why itâs fun:
Itâs a great time mixing a little competition and a lot of laughter.
What youâll need:
- Inflatable or waterproof basketball hoop
6. Glowing Treasure Hunt
Take your pool party into the night with glow-in-the-dark fun!
How to play:
Fill waterproof glow sticks and small toys with sand so they partially sink. Scatter them across the pool floor, and have players retrieve all the pieces!
Why itâs fun:
The glowing visuals turn your pool into a magical hunting ground.
What youâll need:
- Glow sticks
7. Pool Obstacle Course
A dive toy set makes it easy to turn your pool into a simple obstacle course. Use the rings, sticks, or underwater toys as checkpoints, diving challenges, or items swimmers need to collect before racing to the finish.
How to play:
Create sections with tasks like swimming through a hoop, balancing on a raft, or racing from one side to the finish line.
Why itâs fun:
Encourage friendly competition and swimming skills while keeping everyone active!
What youâll need:
- Dive rings or diving toys
- Pool noodles
- Inflatable floats or rafts
- Optional: hula hoops for extra obstacles
8. Floating Relay Races
Pool floats are great for relay races because they add a wobbly, silly challenge to the game. Players can paddle, kick, or balance their way across the pool before tagging the next teammate.
How to play:
Divide your large group into two teams. Each swimmer must complete a task before tagging the next participant. Tasks could include paddling on a float or diving underwater for objects.
Why itâs fun:
Itâs fast-paced and encourages teamwork.
What youâll need:
- Inflatable rafts
9. Pool Scavenger Hunt
Dive toys are perfect for pool scavenger hunts because you can toss them into the water and have players search for specific colors, shapes, or items. They make the game feel more like a treasure hunt and work well for kids who enjoy diving and collecting.
How to play:
Toss a variety of waterproof items, like coins or colorful toys, into the pool. Depending on how many people are playing, give each swimmer a list or description of items to find. The first to collect all items on their list wins!
Why itâs fun:
Itâs a perfect activity for swimmers of all ages and adds a treasure-hunting thrill to the water.
What youâll need:
- Waterproof toys or coins
10. Shark Attack
A shark-themed pool toy makes this game even more fun and helps younger kids instantly understand the theme. Use it as a prop for the âsharkâ player, or toss in a shark beach ball to make the game feel more playful.
How to play:
Designate one player as the âshark.â The shark starts in the middle, and other players must swim from one end of the pool to the other without being tagged. If tagged, they become sharks too!
Why itâs fun:
Itâs a mix of strategy and speed, and players love the excitement of evading the shark.
What youâll need:
- Shark Fin Pool Toy
- Optional: Remote Control Shark Toy (Shop now)
11. Beach Ball Balance Race
Beach balls are a must-have for pool parties because they can be used for races, toss games, volleyball, balance challenges, and free play. For this game, they add just the right amount of silly movement while keeping the setup simple.
A beach ball balance race is a simple pool party game that works well for kids, adults, or mixed-age groups. It adds just enough challenge without needing a complicated setup.
How to play:
Give each player a beach ball and have them race from one side of the pool to the other while keeping the ball in front of them. They can push it with their hands, chest, or chin, but they canât throw it ahead. The first player to reach the finish line with their beach ball wins.
For younger kids, let them walk or swim slowly across the shallow end. For older kids or adults, make it harder by having them balance the ball without using their hands.
Why itâs fun:
Beach balls are lightweight, colorful, and perfect for pool party games because they work for races, volleyball, toss games, and free play.
What youâll need:
- Beach balls
- Pool markers or cones for the start and finish line
- Optional: whistle or timer
12. Floatie Ring Toss
A floating ring toss game makes this activity easier to set up and more fun for guests. Use the floating targets for point challenges, team rounds, or a relaxed poolside game that guests can play between swimming and snacks.
How to play:
Place a few floating targets in the pool, such as inflatable rings, pool floats, or weighted dive toys. Have players stand from the pool deck or shallow end and toss rings toward the targets. Each target can be worth different points depending on how far away it is.
You can play individually or split guests into teams. The player or team with the most points after a few rounds wins.
Why itâs fun:
This game is easy to set up, low-pressure, and great for a wide range of ages. It gives guests something fun to do between swimming, snacks, and other pool games.
What youâll need:
- Inflatable rings or toss rings
- Floating targets or pool floats
- Optional: scorecard and small prize for the winner
13. Underwater Obstacle Course
Weighted dive rings are helpful for underwater obstacle courses because they sink, stay visible, and give swimmers something clear to dive through or collect. Use them with noodles, hoops, and floats to create a course that feels challenging but still easy to set up.
How to play:
Set up an underwater course using weighted hoops, floating noodles, and other pool toys. Swimmers must complete the course as quickly as possible, navigating through hoops, under noodles, or fetching objects along the way.
Why itâs fun:
This encourages creativity and adds a playful challenge to pool time.
What youâll need:
- Weighted hoops
- Pool noodles and toys
Create Splash-Worthy Moments
With these pool party games and supplies ready to go, your next pool party will feel more organized, active, and fun. Whether youâre planning games for kids, adults, or a mix of both, these ideas make it easy to keep guests laughing, swimming, and playing together.
Start with a few simple supplies like pool noodles, beach balls, dive toys, water balloons, and floats. Then choose the games that best fit your pool size, guest ages, and swimming abilities.
Want more ideas for your setup? Check out these top pool party accessories for even more ways to make your swim day fun.
Happy Hosting! đđ
Raquel J
Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster
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